canonship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Ecclesiastical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “canonship” mean?
The office, position, or dignity of a canon (a member of a cathedral chapter or a clergy member living under a rule).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The office, position, or dignity of a canon (a member of a cathedral chapter or a clergy member living under a rule).
The period during which one holds the position of canon; the collective body of canons; the rights and privileges associated with being a canon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more likely to be encountered in British English due to the established structure of the Church of England. In American English, its use is almost exclusively historical or in formal academic writing about church history.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of tradition, religious hierarchy, and historical institution. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, but marginally more attested in British texts due to the active presence of cathedral chapters.
Grammar
How to Use “canonship” in a Sentence
He was appointed to the canonship of Durham.The canonship came with a residence in the close.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or ecclesiastical studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A technical term within canon law and church governance.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “canonship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canonship”
- Misspelling as 'cannonship' (which would relate to artillery).
- Using it as a synonym for a general 'rule' or 'principle' (confusion with 'canon' in the artistic sense).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare and specialised term used almost exclusively in historical or ecclesiastical contexts.
'Canon' is the person (the clergy member). 'Canonship' is the office, position, or dignity held by that person.
Almost never. Its meaning is intrinsically tied to the structure of certain Christian churches. Using it elsewhere would be highly atypical and likely confusing.
The closest synonym is 'canonry'. Both refer to the office or benefice of a canon.
The office, position, or dignity of a canon (a member of a cathedral chapter or a clergy member living under a rule).
Canonship is usually formal, ecclesiastical, historical in register.
Canonship: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkænənʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkænənˌʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHIP captained by a CANON (the clergy member). The 'ship' suffix means 'the state of being', so it's the state of being a canon.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION IS A SEAT (e.g., 'He held the canonship for twenty years').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'canonship' most appropriately be used?